About Vietnam Airlines
Vietnam Airlines is the national carrier of Viet Nam — a full-service, legacy airline that occupies the kind of middle ground travelers either love or overlook. It's not a budget operation, and it's not trying to be. The network runs deep into Southeast Asia and reaches outward across East Asia, with fingers extending as far as Europe and the western United States. From its main hub at Hanoi's Nội Bài International (HAN), the airline operates 51 routes, with Ho Chi Minh City's Tân Sơn Nhất (SGN) running a close second at 50. Altogether, that's 230 non-stop routes across 63 airports — a serious operation that punches well above what many Western travelers expect from it.
Why fly Vietnam Airlines?
The strongest argument for Vietnam Airlines is access. If you're trying to move through Viet Nam itself — between Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang — no other carrier gives you the same frequency and reach across 152 domestic and regional routes. The service ethos leans toward the understated elegance you'd associate with older Asian carriers: attentive without being performative. On longer hauls, the airline's business class product has earned genuine respect, particularly on routes where you'd otherwise be settling for a connection. The SFO-SGN route, at 12,597 km one of the longest transpacific runs you'll find on a single ticket, is a genuine convenience for Vietnamese-American travelers who've long had to piece together multi-stop itineraries. Lounge access at HAN is comfortable and well-staffed.
Vietnam Airlines hub airports
- HAN Hanoi — 51 Vietnam Airlines routes from Viet Nam
- SGN Ho Chi Minh City — 50 Vietnam Airlines routes from Viet Nam
- DAD Da Nang — 11 Vietnam Airlines routes from Viet Nam
- CXR Nha Trang — 5 Vietnam Airlines routes from Viet Nam
- VCA Can Tho — 4 Vietnam Airlines routes from Viet Nam
Top destination countries on Vietnam Airlines
- Viet Nam — 152 Vietnam Airlines routes
- Japan — 11 Vietnam Airlines routes
- Republic of Korea — 7 Vietnam Airlines routes
- China — 6 Vietnam Airlines routes
- India — 6 Vietnam Airlines routes
- Cambodia — 6 Vietnam Airlines routes
- Australia — 5 Vietnam Airlines routes
- Thailand — 4 Vietnam Airlines routes
Tips for booking Vietnam Airlines
Book early on the SFO-SGN route — seats sell out months ahead, and fare classes that accrue useful miles disappear first. If you're connecting through HAN rather than SGN, give yourself more time than you think you need; the airport is large and immigration queues move unpredictably. Checked baggage allowances are generous in business class but read the fine print carefully in economy, particularly on domestic sectors where limits can differ from your international ticket. Vietnam Airlines isn't part of a major global alliance, so don't count on reciprocal lounge access or straightforward frequent-flyer transfers with your home carrier. Their own Lotusmiles program is worth enrolling in if you're flying the country regularly.
Frequently asked questions about Vietnam Airlines
Where does Vietnam Airlines fly?
Vietnam Airlines operates 230 routes connecting passengers across Southeast Asia, East Asia, and beyond. The airline focuses on key destinations in Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea, making it an excellent choice for travelers exploring these regions.
What is Vietnam Airlines's main hub?
Vietnam Airlines's primary hub is Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), which serves as the airline's main connecting point for both domestic and international flights.
What type of airline is Vietnam Airlines?
Vietnam Airlines is a full-service legacy carrier offering a thorough network across Southeast and East Asia with traditional amenities and service standards. The airline operates a substantial route network with multiple daily flights on key city pairs.
When should I book flights with Vietnam Airlines?
Booking 4-8 weeks in advance typically offers the best fares on Vietnam Airlines flights. The airline offers multiple fare classes, so consider your flexibility needs—basic economy fares are more restrictive, while premium classes include additional baggage and seat selection.
What are Vietnam Airlines's baggage and check-in policies?
Baggage allowances vary by fare class and route; most passengers are permitted at least one checked bag on international flights. Online check-in is available 24 hours before departure, and passengers are encouraged to check-in at least 3 hours before international flights.